Resource Guarding: How bad IS it?
- Caryn Self Sullivan, PhD
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Some of my most challenging cases involve Resource Guarding. The first questions many clients ask is "How bad IS it?" and "Can it be fixed?"
As a scientist and professional animal behaviorist my immediate response is almost always... "I don't know" and "It depends."
This blog post is for folks who want to better understand the SCALE of Resource Guarding Behavior in Domestic Dogs towards Humans. I've also include links to Resources for Changing Resource Guarding Behavior towards Humans.
When you are ready to talk to a Professional, just call or text (540) 287-8207 and schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation.
Resource Guarding Scale (Dog-Human)
This Resource Guarding Scale was created by “Assess-A-Hand." I have one “Assess-A-Hand”, which I bought years ago. I have tried to find a new source for this extremely valuable tool for trainers, behaviorists, shelters, and rescue organizations. If you know where I can purchase more, new or used, please call me!
Level 1: Dog appears relaxed and is eager for person to approach for attention. Will generally eagerly disengage from food or other resource to engage person in a relaxed, friendly and “happy” manner.
Level 2: Dog remains relaxed as person approaches but does not disengage from food or resource item. With a resource item, when given, they will most commonly just lay down where they are given the item.
Level 3: Dog becomes “aware” and a bit tense as person approaches and begins to eat somewhat faster. There are no other aggressive or distance increasing signals given. With a resource item at this level, the dog may take the item and move away from the person.
Level 4: Dog becomes aware and quite tense at approach and will not only eat fast, but take large mouthfuls of food as if trying to finish the resource before it can be removed. With a resource item, the dog may move away with the item or attempt to put the item under his body, commonly between the front legs just under the chest.
Level 5: Dog stiffens on approach and exhibits one or more of the following: freeze, whale-‐eye, low growl, piloerection, exaggerated guarding posture (rear end up high and front end low and covering resource in a very stiff and still manner).
Level 6: Dog shows one or more of the criteria for level five and in addition shows aggressive tooth display, which may be directed at the intruder or while engaged with the resource. The dog disengages from the food bowl or resource for a snap or bite at the intruder and then goes immediately back to the resource. There are no punctures but may be slight contact. Note: With a resource item, often dogs of this level won’t release the object, but will try to bite the intruder with the resource in their mouth.
Level 7: Dog shows one or more of the signs of level 6 and disengages from the resource to bite. Full Contact is made, punctures wounds are likely. Usually many signs are seen (growling, freezing, whale eye, tooth display). With a resource item, usually this level dog will drop the item to bite and then return to the item. At this level and above you begin to see dogs that will spread food all over or spill the bowl.
Level 8: Dog disengages from the resource quickly (fast trigger) and sometimes does not even show any of the precursor signals but goes immediately for a bite OR the dog disengages from the resource and bites multiple times, hard enough to puncture and or tear. The bites are often of a longer duration (> 1 second vs. and instant bite release).
Level 9: Some (or all) previous criteria are met PLUS the dog disengages from the resource and bites, holding the bite and shaking their head. The dog bites multiple times in a row. The dog moves away from the bowl and guards the area surrounding the resource while in full agonistic display. The dog may guard an empty bowl.
Level 10: At this level, the dog would do serious, life-threatening damage if not restrained. They will guard an empty area, an empty bowl, or crumbs of a finished resource. Often instead of directing their aggression towards the intruding object (such as an Assess-A‐Hand) they will make direct and threatening eye contact with the person.
Important note from Dr. Caryn:
NEVER forcefully take a resource away from your dog…this will only make the dog MORE uncomfortable, fearful, and anxious AND increase the likelihood of a bite.
NEVER punish your dog for guarding a resource…hire a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant to help change your dog's emotional response to the situation.
Resources for Changing Resource Guarding Behavior
Resource Guarding in Dogs: What to Do (and NOT Do) by Cathy Madson, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. Published July 28, 2020. Updated December 18, 2024. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/resource-guarding-in-dogs
How to Prevent Resource Guarding in a Multiple-dog Household by Hannah Branigan, KPA CTP. Published October 1, 2011. https://clickertraining.com/how-to-prevent-resource-guarding-in-a-multiple-dog-household/
Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson. Published January 1, 2022. https://amzn.to/3XXNHs1
Insights into Dog Behavior - A Step-by-Step Guide on Resource Guarding: Prevention, Management and Training Techniques Paperback by Nat Grimmer. Published May 25, 2024 https://amzn.to/4jqG4lT
Resource Guarding: Treatment and Prevention by Patricia McConnell. Published May 3, 2013. https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/resource-guarding-treatment-and-prevention
Resource Guarding: What you Need to Know by Debi McKee. Published July 24, 2017. Updated January 20, 2025. https://www.rescuedogs101.com/food-aggressive-resource-guarding-dogs/
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